iceland

When the weather finally warms up in these parts we look forward to sitting out in the garden with the sun, the birds, a good book and a tall cool drink. We recently had the chance to try some great new candidates for quaffing - three (relatively) recent entries and one true classic - courtesy of William Grant & Sons spirits. Reyka is the first and only vodka to be distilled and bottled in Iceland. The small-batch, hand-crafted, ultra-pure spirit is distilled in a copper still imported from Scotland using barley, wheat, and spring water filtered through 4,000 year-old lava rock. Milagro super premium tequila is crafted in small batches from estate-grown 100% blue agave hand-selected in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Using traditional clay ovens, Milagro slow roasts the agave six times longer than most tequilas, and uses a triple distillation process that imparts exceptional smoothness.

Sailor Jerry Rum bears the signature of Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins, the father of old-school tattooing. Distilled to 92 proof, it's a strong, spiced, smooth spirit. Made from Sailor Jerry's personal recipe, it's handcrafted from pure, rich dark molasses, blending Carribean-style rum with vanilla, caramel and various spices. And Lillet, an aperitif blended from 85% wine and 15% citrus liqueurs from France, was established way back in 1872. The wines are carefully selected in the Podensac area and citrus liqueurs are produced through the maceration of cold fruit peels in pure distilled spirits over several months. It's then aged in oak to acquire a soft, rich character. We're partial to the Blanc variety with its hints of honey, candied orange, lime, and mint.

As you've probably heard, Iceland is in ongoing financial turmoil. The Wall Street Journal's Private Properties column reports that to lighten its load, Iceland's government has put four of its ambassadorial residences up for sale. The properties are located in Washington, New York, London and Oslo and could raise a total of more than $25 million. A Georgian-style townhouse in the Mayfair area of London is listed for £10 million and in New York City, Reykjavik is asking $5.6 million for the home of its United Nations ambassador, a four-bedroom apartment on Park Avenue at 55th Street.

Today's estate is the ambassadorial residence in Washington D.C. The brick home is in Kalorama Heights was built in 1928 and has been the home of the Ambassador of Iceland since 1965. The home is on a small .17 acre plot which includes a pool. The 10,000-square-foot mansion has ten bedrooms, formal rooms for entertaining and staff quarters. It is listed at $5.65 million.